what a way to start 2011.  day one, january 1, what a great day to get married.  this is the start of white shutter weddings 2011.  so after you have checked out this crisp and cold winter wedding, hit subscribe and follow the rest of the year.  and you better hang on, this is gonna be a great ride.

straight from the get-go, it was a perfect day.  first of all, carey looked amazing.  and lets not leave out mike, who didn’t look too shabby himself.  we started their day with a first look inside at st paul lutheran church.  carey & mike met rock climbing so we did a quick detour over to the rockford ymca for some group pictures before heading back to the church for their ceremony.  we braved the subzero temperatures for a few minutes outside of the y and it was well worth it, carey & mike were such troopers while listening to “just one more…”

once back at the st paul, we got a glimpse behind the scenes with carey’s uncle before their heartwarming ceremony.  from there we stopped right outside of the sanctuary for the 10 minute rule.  after that it was family portraits and then on to the rockford woman’s club.  when i toured the woman’s club last year with carey & mike, i couldn’t wait to shoot there.  there is a private “upstairs” room where i got to play some more with carey, mike, and their bridal party.  the day ended as it began, with carey & mike wrapped arm and arm, in front of a christmas tree.  what a great way to start the year.  enjoy.

the first look…
carey’s uncle performed part of the ceremony, it was very special to be allowed to photograph the “behind the scenes” at the church…i absolutely love this one of carey’s mom walking down the aisle…
the ten minute rule in full effect, thanks J&Mdetails:

dress by russairs

cake by kelly bertram

flowers arranged by nelson’s flowers